Ranch Update

We had two full days of school this week, but it rained the rest of the time. On Monday, we left early to pick -up the kids and got back to the ranch in record time. With extra time on our hands, we played "Uno" with the kids. Have you ever wondered if Spanish speaking countries call the game "One"? Nope! The game, Uno, is apparently universal. We used English during the game for the older kids. The younger ones did well to follow the rules in Spanish. Gregg helped the youngest, Vale, and she won both games. Hmmm, did they cheat? :)

Our newly repaired road was ruined this week when a wide tractor drove over the bridge.

So sad. Now it feels more dangerous than ever though reality is that though it would be scary to fall, it would not be deadly.

Visa Renewal:

We are finally prepared to travel to Concepcion Del Uruguay and renew our visas. We plan to leave at 5 AM tomorrow and take Osmar to Concordia on the way so he can get another study (test) done for his upcoming surgery. Then we'll meet the young full-time missionaries in Concepcion Del Uruguay to get through migrations. We have been instructed to change our visas from a "Retired" visa to a "Religious" visa which has included a number of new forms and letters to complete. If all goes well, tomorrow will be the last step.

Yesterday, we had to go to the Policia in Feliciano and get a form stating that we are currently living in their area. We had to have two adults from our church branch meet us and vouch for us. That was quite the ordeal, but it worked in the end.

After that, we stopped at the bank to pull out enough pesos to pay for the process tomorrow. It's not too much--less than $100 for each person, but just getting the form and standing in line to pull out cash took a couple of hours. It's always amazing to watch the community waiting patiently for whatever they need. We are accustomed to fast and efficient (unless you are at the DMV) and here standing in line for hours is just life.

Good Books:

With rain and extra time on our hands, Amy is reading a historical series about the Revolutionary War called Prelude to Glory. It is a nine volume series so it will keep her busy for the month.

As you recall, Thomas Paine wrote:

"These are the times that try men's souls, The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated."

These words of Mr. Paine, inspired George Washington when all seemed hopeless. It appears that many individuals who fought for our freedom felt an inner drive that confirmed that the Almighty was involved in the outcome of their war against tyranny. So many miracles were required for the success of our founding fathers, I believe that it would be nothing but ingratitude to believe God was not involved.

Read again the words of Thomas Paine referenced above only this time apply it to your own life and your relationship to Deity. Again, remember, "...the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." If heaven is going to be as wonderful as we hope it to be, the road to get their should be and will be steep enough to make it all worth while.